DEC 15 ADVENT JOURNEY WITH THE HOLY HEROES OF INFANT JESUS - ST. BRIDGET OF SWEDEN

Summary

In this presentation, Evelyn and Angelin from the Andre Mass Center discuss the life and legacy of St. Bridget of Sweden. Born in 1303, Bridget led a devout life, married young, and after her husband's death, founded the Brigittine order. Known for her spiritual visions, she described the birth of Jesus with profound detail. Bridget’s commitment to prayer and penance inspired many, and her canonization in 1391 marked her as one of Sweden’s most celebrated saints. The session also includes a prayer and an activity centered on reflecting on the nativity story from the Gospel of Luke.

Takeaways

• 😀 St. Bridget of Sweden was born in 1303 and is one of the most celebrated saints of Sweden.
• 😀 St. Bridget came from a devout family, with her father regularly going to confession and making pilgrimages.
• 😀 At the age of 13, Bridget was married to a nobleman named Wolf Goodmarison, with whom she had eight children.
• 😀 Bridget's second daughter, Catherine of Sweden, would also become a saint.
• 😀 After the death of her husband in 1344, Bridget devoted her life to penance, prayer, and religious work.
• 😀 St. Bridget founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Bridgettines) in 1346, which was approved by Pope Urban V in 1370.
• 😀 King Magnus of Sweden supported Bridget in establishing the order’s monastery in Vadstena, though Bridget never saw its completion.
• 😀 St. Bridget had a vision from Christ calling her to return to Rome, where she spent her final years.
• 😀 Bridget passed away in Rome on July 23rd, 1373, and was canonized as a saint in 1391.
• 😀 St. Bridget’s vision of the Nativity depicted the Infant Jesus in humble surroundings, emitting divine light, with the Virgin Mary kneeling in prayer, maintaining her virginity.

Q & A

Who is St. Bridget of Sweden?

St. Bridget of Sweden was the most celebrated saint of Sweden, born in 1303. She was the daughter of Birger Parison and Inberg, and is known for her visions, charitable works, and founding the Order of the Most Holy Savior, now called the Bridgettines.

What significant event occurred when St. Bridget was 10 years old?

St. Bridget's mother passed away when she was 10 years old, after which she and her siblings were sent to live with their maternal aunt for further education and care.

At what age did St. Bridget get married, and who was her husband?

St. Bridget was married at the age of 13 to a young man named Ulf Gudmarsson, with whom she had eight children, including her daughter St. Catherine of Sweden.

What did St. Bridget do after the death of her husband in 1344?

After the death of her husband in 1344, St. Bridget retired to a life of penance and prayer, dedicating herself to spiritual growth and founding the Order of the Most Holy Savior in 1346.

What was the Order of the Most Holy Savior, and when was it officially approved?

The Order of the Most Holy Savior, later known as the Bridgettines, was founded by St. Bridget in 1346. It was officially approved by Pope Urban V in 1370.

What role did King Magnus play in St. Bridget's mission?

King Magnus helped St. Bridget establish the Abbey of Vadstena by donating land and resources, making it the home of the Bridgettines.

Did St. Bridget ever become a nun herself?

No, St. Bridget never became a nun herself. Although she founded the order, she did not join the religious community she created.

What was the significance of St. Bridget's vision of the Infant Jesus?

St. Bridget described a vision of the Infant Jesus, who appeared in swaddling clothes on the ground, emitting light. She also had a vision of the Virgin Mary, who appeared blonde-haired and kneeling in prayer, moments before Jesus' birth.

When and where did St. Bridget die?

St. Bridget died in Rome on July 23rd. Her feast day is also celebrated on this date.

How was St. Bridget canonized, and when did this occur?

St. Bridget was canonized in 1391, just a few years after her death, due to her devotion to Christ and her contributions to the Church, particularly her visionary experiences.

What is the significance of the prayer included in the script?

The prayer seeks to strengthen individuals in mind, body, and spirit, invoking healing and quietness as one grows into greater wholeness. It is a reflection on the teachings of St. Bridget and aims to inspire personal transformation.

What is the activity suggested in the script, and what does it aim to achieve?

The suggested activity is to read the story of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20) and discuss the people, animals, and environment involved in Jesus' birth. This activity aims to deepen understanding of the Nativity story and encourage reflection on its meaning.